Impressive Valencia win away at Villarreal

January, 21 2017 -

It was a strong performance from Voro’s players who controlled the match for the first hour and went into the lead with Soler firing home from a Nani cross after 35 minutes and then Santi Mina took advantage of an error by goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo to get the second before half time.

Voro welcomed Ezequiel Garay back into the defence after injury while Joao Cancelo also came in at right back with Martín Montoya unable to start due to having picked up a calf strain.

The visitors started looking to push forward and Dani Parejo had an early sighter on goal with a 25-yard free-kick that was caught by Asenjo.

Valencia were enjoying plenty of possession but Villarreal also threatened with more direct play and the pace of their forward Pato and Sansone.

The blanquinegros had the first clear chance for Munir El Haddadi but he shot wide from six yards on his weaker right foot having been put through on the right of the area by Nani.

There was a warning for Valencia with Pato hitting a curling shot wide from distance but Voro’s team were working hard in midfield, and Enzo Pérez in particular, and they deserved the opener when it came.

Youngster Soler has forced his way into the side in recent weeks and was officially listed as a first team player this week. He celebrated by putting Valencia ahead with a predatory goal inside the area after good work from Nani in the left channel. The Portuguese picked out Soler with a pass and stretching he knocked the ball past Asenjo.

They were then gifted a second with Victor Ruiz knocking the ball back to Asenjo who tried to dribble past Mina but the Galician dispossessed him and knocked the ball into an empty net.

After the break Valencia continued to control the game and on a breakaway had the chance to go further ahead but a pass from Munir just failed to find Mina in front of goal.

Then on the half hour a fine team move saw Munir find Soler who from close range tried to lift the ball over Asenjo but the goalkeeper blocked.

Villarreal came more into the game as it went on and Diego Alves needed to pull off a good save from Mario Gaspar before Pato hit the post.

Valencia were forced to defend deeply but they did still threaten on the counter-attack and Nani had a shot inside the area that was saved by Asenjo.

There was another bright note for Valencia with new signing Simone Zaza working hard and linking up well after coming on for the final ten minutes.

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Photographs by Lázaro de la Peña, re-use is not permitted.